Master and slave
Master and slave. an analysisEach of the characters in The Tempest finds themselves in bondage. However, by the end of the story, the same characters are set free from whatever enslaves them. A few characters one can see enslaved are Prospero, Miranda, Ariel, and Caliban.
Prospero is in bondage to his magic. Since his exile by his brother from his dukedom in Milan, he has had but a few books to help pass the twelve long years. During this time, he becomes very proficient in the magic, and often uses magic instead of dealing with people normally. His liberation comes when he gets his dukedom back from his brother and decides to give up magic with the help of the audience's "good hands" (V.i.9) to set him free.
Miranda is in bondage to her innocence. She has known no other men than Prospero and Caliban, and she has never known any women, so she does not know any of the dating conventions. All she can do is dictate her heart to Ferdinand without artifice. Her liberation comes as her father gives his consent for her to marry Ferdinand. Ferdinand has had experience with women so he will be able to teach her the conventions of the time....
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